Kundalini yoga: discover the style that works on expanding consciousness –

Kundalini yoga is a style of yoga that involves chanting, breathing exercises and various postures. The main objective is to activate the Kundalini energy, or shakti – located at the base of the spine and normally dormant. Therefore, as we awaken the Kundalini energy, our consciousness is expanded.

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WHAT IS KUNDALINI YOGA?

Although Kundalini yoga is practiced all over the world, its origin is unknown. The concept of Kundalini energy has been around for centuries, and was mentioned in ancient Vedic texts around 1000 BC

The term Kundalini comes from the Sanskrit word “kundal”, which means “circular”. Also refers to a coiled snake. And according to practitioners, Kundalini energy is like that coiled snake: it lies at the base of your spine, sleeping and not waking up.

Therefore, Kundalini yoga is practiced to activate this energy, which allows it to move up (and through the chakras) along the spine.

With regular practice, Kundalini yoga is believed to lead to spiritual enlightenment. This is called “Kundalini awakening”.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES TO THE OTHER STYLES?

Compared to the other styles of yoga, Kundalini yoga is a more spiritual practice. It still involves physical movements, but they are not the main focus. What does not happen in Hatha and Vinyasa styles, for example.

Kundalini yoga also tends to be more repetitive in its movements, combining chanting, postures and breathing in specific patterns.

ABOUT BREATHING, MANTRAS, KRIYAS AND MUDRAS

A session usually has six main components, which are done in the following order;

Opening corner: each class begins with an opening chant, also known as an attunement;
Pranayama or warm-up: you will do breathing exercises, called pranayama, and sometimes movements to stretch the spine;
Kriya: a kriya is a sequence of postures, pranayama, mudras (hand positions), sounds and meditation. The duration and intensity of kriya depends on the instructor;
Relaxation: allows the body and mind to absorb the effects of kriya;
Meditation: serves to keep consciousness activated;
Closing corner: the class ends with a closing chant.

BENEFITS OF KUNDALINI YOGA

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STRESS AND ANXIETY RELIEF

Like other styles of yoga, yoga can help relieve stress and anxiety.

In a 2017 study, participants experienced immediate stress relief after a Kundalini yoga session. This effect continued after they practiced for another 3 months.

Similarly, other research determined that eight weeks of Kundalini yoga reduced participants’ anxiety levels. Therefore, researchers concluded that Kundalini yoga may be an effective treatment option for people with generalized anxiety disorder.

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IMPROVES COGNITIVE FUNCTION

Yet another study proved this advantage. In it, researchers studied 81 participants with mild cognitive impairment. They were randomly divided into two groups. One group practiced Kundalini yoga, while the other group received memory enhancement training for 12 weeks.

While both groups showed significant improvements in memory at the end of the study, only the Kundalini group showed short-term and long-term improvements in cognitive functions — this includes skills like reasoning, problem solving and cognitive flexibility, among others.

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SPIRITUAL ILLUMINATION

It is believed that as your Kundalini energy awakens, you become more spiritually connected with yourself and others. These benefits have not been scientifically proven, but they can be mentioned:

More empathy; Increased creativity; Improved charisma; Energy boost; Inner peace.

KUNDALINI YOGA POSTURES FOR BEGINNERS

1

LOTUS

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Sit on the floor with your legs extended. Keep your spine neutral; Bend your knees outward, bringing your feet toward your pelvis, as if you’re about to sit cross-legged; Place your left foot on top of your right thigh. Then place your right foot on top of your left thigh; Inhale and exhale deeply.

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SNAKE

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Lie on your stomach with your legs and feet together. Rest the balls of your feet against the floor;
Support your palms on the floor, in the direction of your shoulders. Make sure your fingers are pointing forward, and your elbows are parallel to each other; Inhale. Raise your head and torso, pressing your lower body into the floor; Stretch your arms, lifting your chest and stomach. Bring the shoulders down and back; Stay in the position for a few seconds, and exhale as you slowly return.

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WARRIOR

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Stand up straight, feet together. Rotate your right foot out about 45 degrees; Take a big step with your right foot back. Bend your left knee, but make sure it doesn’t go past your left foot; Extend your arms to shoulder height; Rotate your upper body to the left. Simultaneously bend the right elbow and bring the right fist towards the right armpit; Look straight ahead and breathe deeply as you hold this position; Then switch sides.